Dharamsala, Apr 17 (IANS): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama called the victory of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's party in the recently held parliamentary elections as "persistent efforts to secure lasting peace".

"I am deeply appreciative of your persistent efforts to secure lasting peace on the Korean peninsula and am confident that you will continue to seek to fulfil the trust placed in you by the Korean people," the Dalai Lama wrote to him on Thursday.

"In recent months, the world has been confronted by the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. May I take this opportunity to congratulate you on the leadership you have shown in taking the necessary steps to contain the spread of Covid-19 in your country.

"You have set an important example for others to follow," the spiritual leader said.

"Traditionally, Korea has had a large Buddhist population. In recent years, a growing number of Korean Buddhists has shown interest in joining the centres of learning we have re-established in India. Meanwhile, I regularly meet Korean Buddhist brothers and sisters who visit India on pilgrimage," the Dalai Lama said.

He concluded by wishing President Moon Jae-in every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of South Korea.